Newmarket— By working closely with its partners, the federal government is ensuring that more Canadians will be able to live near public transit, and is providing additional support to address homelessness and encampments.
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities; Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill; Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Regional Municipality of York; and Nation Cheong, Vice President of Community Impact for United Way Greater Toronto announced a federal investment of almost $96 million in transit funding for York Region, a combined investment of nearly $22 million that will support the Region’s encampment response plans, and an additional $22 million to maintain support for Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy in the region.
Long-term predictable transit funding
Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, York Region Transit will receive an annual funding allocation amounting to almost $96 million over 10 years. Funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize the Region’s public transit infrastructure, and maintain it in a state of good repair.
This investment, beginning in 2026 until 2036, will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Addressing homelessness and encampments
Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Everyone has a right to safe housing, regardless of their circumstances. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live.
The federal government also announced an agreement with The Regional Municipality of York for a combined investment of nearly $22 million that will support York’s encampment response plans, in alignment with York Region’s 2024 to 2027 Homelessness Services System Plan. This is a federal investment of $10.8 million, cost-matched by the Regional Municipality. Efforts include creating an Encampment Response Unit, increasing emergency and transitional housing options, and establishing flexible support funds to help individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness transition to more stable housing.
Additionally, the federal government continues to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Through Budget 2024, an additional $22 million is being allocated to the region over four years, through 2027-28. This brings the total Reaching Home allocation to $80 million over nine years, through 2027-28, through the Designated Communities stream, managed by United Way of Greater Toronto.
“We are committed to building affordable, connected and sustainable communities across the country. The federal government’s investments in York Region will make a big difference.” – Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities